Lake in the Hills resident Dave Domek, who is a partner in Domek Logistics in Crystal Lake, hasn't always been active with political donations, but he likes the business acumen of Bruce Rauner. So Domek decided to give two $2,500 contributions to the Republican candidate's campaign for governor of Illinois.
Domek, who reiterated the donations were as an individual, said he doesn't see the donations as gaining influence over the candidate.
"It allows him to buy some advertising ... and it's another way to voice your opinions as well," Domek said.
Domek's contributions were part of the more than $112,000 Rauner received in 74 donations as of Aug. 1 from individuals, groups and businesses in the heavily Republican McHenry County. Some donors gave multiple times.
Contributions to Rauner from donors in McHenry County have far outpaced Democratic incumbent Pat Quinn, which follows the statewide trend.
According to data compiled by the National Institute of Money in State Politics, Quinn had received $11,350 in 16 contributions from individual and nonindividual donors in McHenry County, as of Aug. 1.
In total, as of Aug. 1, Rauner received $24.6 million for his campaign. Quinn received $14.7 million for his 2014 campaign, according to the institute.
The Montana-based National Institute on Money in State Politics is a nonpartisan group that compiles comprehensive campaign-donor, lobbyist and other information from government disclosure agencies.
State law limits contributions from individuals to a particular candidate to $5,300, unless one of the candidates declares he is self-funded. When a candidate is self-funded, contribution caps are removed for all candidates in the race.
Rauner, as of Aug. 1, had pumped more than $6.5 million into his bid for governor, according to the institute, and declared his campaign self-funded.
Bull Valley resident and Dave Domek's brother Michael Domek, who donates money to local charities including Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County, has given $20,000 to the Rauner camp this year. Michael Domek founded TicketsNow, which eventually was purchased by Ticketmaster for $265 million.
Local philanthropist Michael Luecht, who is president and CEO of ML Partners, has donated $15,300 to Rauner's campaign.
Another large donor to the Rauner campaign is Vince Foglia, who has contributed $55,300. Foglia, who lives in North Barrington, has deep McHenry County ties as chairman of the board for Sage Products. He has donated to the Crystal Lake YMCA and the Cary-Grove High School Auditorium project, among other local causes.
Phil Bartmann has worked at Radicom in Johnsburg since 1969. He eventually worked his was to president, CEO and owner of the company. Bartmann has contributed $1,250 to the Rauner campaign, and his company has contributed $500.
Bartmann, who has donated to legislators such as state Sen. Pam Althoff, R-McHenry, and state Rep. Barbara Wheeler, R-Crystal Lake, said he doesn't expect anything in return.
"I trust them. I think they're doing a good job," Bartmann said.
Quinn has received money from the Carpenters Local 2087's political action fund, and from Rescue Eight Paramedic Service for this year's election.
McHenry County Democratic Party Chairman Mike Bissett last year contributed $300 to the Quinn campaign. Bissett, a printing company product specialist, said he wasn't surprised by the large money disparity as well as the difference in number of donors for each candidate in McHenry County.
"Obviously there's a lot more well-to-do Republicans in McHenry County than well-to-do Democrats," Bissett said, adding that his donation might not be much, but said many small contributions help Quinn compete.
"I'm just one of those small donors," Bissett said.
Bissett said the money edge for Rauner will allow for more TV advertising and make it tough for Quinn.
Bissett said he is supporting Quinn because he believes he can trust the governor and cites the work the governor has done with creating the Citizen's Utility Board.
Bissett said efforts by the campaigns also will play a role in addition to the amount of money contributed. There are many people knocking on doors and putting up signs.
"I think there's a lot of people donating time [rather] than money to the campaign," Bissett said. "That doesn't show up in your report."
He said people around the state are probably still getting to know Rauner and still asking "Why is he running? What are his motives?"
Recent polls have shown the race is close between Rauner and Quinn.
"The only good thing about the lopsided money count is dollars don't vote, people do," Bissett said.
Other notable McHenry County donors, as of Aug. 1
Bruce Rauner
• Dave Domek, Lake in the Hills - $5,000
• David Wescott, Crystal Lake - $5,250
• Citizens to Elect Lou Bianchi, Crystal Lake - $250
• Chas. Herdrich & Son, McHenry - $5,000
• R.A. Mancini Inc., Lakemoor - $1,500
• Intren, Union - $7,500
• Gary Rabine Sr., Spring Grove - $3,000
Pat Quinn
• Rescue Eight Paramedic Service, Lake in the Hills - $2,500
• Chas. Herdrich & Son, McHenry - $1,000
• Joshua R. Farrell, Bull Valley - $1,000
• Nicole Chopp, Lake in the Hills - $2,500
• Carpenters Local 2087's political action fund - $250
Source: National Institute on Money on State Politics
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